Technology Equity

Technology Equity

As we near the conclusion of this on line class, it is pretty apparent how much is available to us for educational use with the click of a button. This is not just available to us but students and people in general. Technology is here to stay. It’s a part of daily life and we have become much more dependent on it. An example that use of technology doesn’t discriminate against age, my 60 year old father and a 10 year old kid at the school I work at both have email accounts and use cell phones. More and more jobs when available are requiring computer skills and other technological device experience just to be considered. I think when I become a teacher, at the forefront of making fun and engaging lessons; technology and computers will be intertwined with the learning.

The main idea presented in the two articles we read discussed the use of technology for teaching when access for some students is not available. In the “Who Are Today’s Learner’s” article it stated studies showed no real difference in computer skills based on income, it was access. The first thing I would do in class after initial procedure type stuff is have a getting to know you questionnaire involving computers, experience, and accessibility, etc. This way I would be able to find out how much of my lessons would be computer based or used, and what could potentially be finished in and out of school. Assuming all families and students have access to a computer and Internet would be a mistake. I feel I will be teaching using technology so it is crucial in getting to know my students and their technology habits. Those who are limited in experience or access would have tutorials and extra time available if needed or additional arrangements could be made.

At this point in time I do feel schools or myself would be doing the students a disservice if technology of some kind were not used in the classroom. It is a fact that technology is being used daily and today’s students are some of the biggest users. This generation of students are digital natives and from what I have seen, they learn with computers as well. Not only does it create engaging and interactive lessons, we are providing and teaching skills they ultimately will use for outside of school. If all but a few students had access to computers for a particular lesson, I would see to it that the others were taken care of. Whether that means finding them a computer to take home or setting up a time to complete the assignment, depends on the situation.

In the article “Social Justice: Choice or Necessity”, they provided examples of where students who don’t have computer access can go to gain accessibility. This includes the library, school computer lab, and Boys and Girls Club. In addition, people have old computers they donate or you can buy cheap on Craig’s List, etc. The school I work at, which is a lower income school, gets things donated all the time and received a grant to buy new computers for the lab and library. If a student needs to use a computer or a lesson calls for it, its available. I would also allow for students who needed additional time to be able to go to the labs or library to complete a given assignment, even if it meant missing part of a class. I feel very strongly that these skills are going to help in life after school as well as during, so it is my duty to implement technology use in my curriculum and all students be included. As I said before, it is very important to recognize early who has access and who doesn’t, then plan accordingly. Times have changed, and the students and the way they learn have changed. We need to provide the same opportunities students in other leading countries have, no matter what the socioeconomic status is of the school and its students. By that I mean preparing students the best we can with skills that will help them get a job and be successful, and using technology is a part of this.

Gaming In The Classroom

This was a very interesting discussion and it’s a topic that is being brought more and more to the forefront.  Mr. Gee had some tremendous ideas and compared it to traditional learning in a way that makes me think forms of video games with educational backing indeed need to be transitioned to the classroom.  The way this generation of kids is growing up with the technology available to them truly makes them digital natives.  If using these media tools in daily life is part of their routine, then some continuity must cross over into the classroom.  I am not saying playing Madden all class, but there are many games that practice money management skills, city and community planning, and running a business to name a few.  All helpful in learning skills for when school is completed. 

            I don’t think games in the classroom should take the place of all educational teachings, because you need someone facilitating and leading the class weather text teaching or game based teaching.  I do think it could be interesting as well as educational to incorporate curriculum-based games in class to allow the students another aspect to learn and apply the material.  One that is interactive, provides instant feedback, and supports collaborative problem solving.  I don’t feel that having video games in the classroom steps over the line of “edutainment.”  As I stated before these students are from the digital native generation.  Its how they are wired and using technology for learning and outside of school is part of their lives.

            In the paper “Good Video Games and Good Learning”, Gee discusses his learning principals in relation to gaming, and a couple of them struck a cord with me.  The principal: Explore, Think Literally, and Rethink Goals can be applied to students in and out of the classroom.  Not going 100 mph to finish the task but exploring findings involving a subject or assignment, thinking and examining it, and then possibly rethinking what you may have thought before and changing your view.  That’s a part of daily living.  Another was customization, stating “not just about self pacing in school, but also about real intersections between curriculum and the learners interest, desires, and styles.”  The learner can customize what they are going to do first in the assignment, and learn about it the way they function best, as well as use several modalities to maximize learning and store it long term.  Something the Mr. Gee stated in his online interview was the comparison between game manuals and textbooks.  A person may be playing a game and want to know how to do something or find how something works, they can go to the manual, read, and then apply it.  The manual is the textbook.  In science class the textbook is so dry and not very interesting until you see some examples where the material can be applied.  I think what I am learning so far in my Master’s experience is how much the use of media tools can help make a lesson flow as well as engage the student, compared to when I was in school and many teachers just stood up at the front of the room, lectured, then told you what page to go to in a huge textbook.  I feel many of Gee’s examples as well as his opinion of a move for acceptance of video games in the classroom for an educational tool are on point and I can see myself using lessons including games or finding games that can teach what the curriculum calls for.  I think that is where we are as a society.

            I do plan on finding a place at certain times for video game type learning in my classroom.  It won’t take the place of me being the teacher, but maybe once a week or a couple assignments a term; games could be used as the educational tool.  It would be interesting to assess how the student learns the content doing it this way instead of the classic teaching model.  I liked how Gee discusses how students like to be producers and not just consumers.  There are times when the student may teach the class and teacher how something may work or the program can do this or that.  The main objective that I see happening is we all will be learning together.  Sometimes only a few students get what a teacher is presenting.  This way there is constant feedback, on demand information, and community discussions such as the comment section on a blog or wiki.  I am learning a lot that I will be able to apply in my teaching career and I realize things are changing so learning how to use media tools in class will be crucial.

Wikipedia Reflection

Wikipedia: Ban it or Boost it?

It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that a buddy told me that Wikipedia isn’t the best place to get hard factual data. Because any person at any time can add to a topic explanation, there is a chance that information can be stretched or flat out untrue. When I look on a site, I want to be able to trust the content I am looking at or at least get some information that’s accurate.

I used to use Wikipedia quite a bit, especially to pass the time. I could look up such a range of topics. I used it and it listed all the Civil Wars (OSU vs. UO) complete with the winning team, score, and home site for over 100 years. I would say that I use it now around once a week when I am surfing the web or want to know something obscure. I usually will start my search by going to the English page and typing in the first couple letters of what I am interested in and go from there. There may be times it leads me to other websites or other topics. I think it’s a fun site to obtain fun facts or just getting a little “candy” for the brain.

As a teacher I would accept some projects or assignments that had some information from Wikipedia. I would definitely require other references and websites to back up the data used or found. I would encourage my students to look for reliability and credibility when it comes to using Wikipedia and other sites as well. I think the Website Credibility assignment we did in our current class was a great tool to use when analyzing a website and its validity. Students would have to know what Wikipedia is all about and that just because it’s found on the site, it’s not always true or accurate. They have to use their brains. I would not accept a project with Wikipedia data by itself.

From the article, the statement regarding “flags” on pages of topics lets the user know that not all the data is 100%, there could be an opinion present, as well as omissions. The student is able to see this and should be encouraged to research the topic further or use other references. Another piece from the article stated the wide range of items available to research. If anything, a students can explore a website, start looking into a topic, and draw comparisons to other sites with other postings involving the same topic. It really can be a learning experience.

My policy for my students regarding Internet research would be to really examine the reliability of the sites you are using, especially for a project, paper, or group assignment. Using a form of a Website Credibility worksheet would be a nice tool to get used to knowing what to look for in a credible site. I would want them to have back up information other than just Internet based, depending on the importance of the assignment. I have noticed when I look up items on Wikipedia that I know a lot about or have experience in; they are usually pretty good and accurate. I would also want them to document their sources so I could always go and check the accuracy of their work and references. I would keep Wikipedia around and will continue to use it; I just take what I find with a grain of salt these days and always like confirming the information found.

Should Cell Phones Be Banned From Classrooms?

This is a very interesting topic today in schools.  It was brought to my attention in my last class from Dr. Lichau, just how much kids are using cell phones in schools and that in some districts, students are encouraged to use them in class.  I found in college, cell phones going off during class to be very distracting and extremely rude.  I do see that they can be a useful tool in learning and finding out information.  Where do we as teachers draw the line?

            I myself as an aspiring teacher tend to side with the “yes” people, as far as cell phones being banned or not used during class time.  In the article “Should Cell Phones Be Banned From Classrooms”, Josh Allen asks the question, “How can instructions including cell phone use even be considered for a valuable use of block time?”  I see why this gentleman feels this way.  Teachers have limited time as far as what they can get through with curriculum and lessons.  Something could be lost or not covered if too much time is spent dealing with cell phones.  After reading both sides of the debate however, I have changed my stance a bit.  I could see myself performing lessons in class having the students use their cell phones to do research, etc., to complete the assignment.

            In the article “From Toy to Tool”, Liz Kolb discusses a great point.  She states, “Over time I have come to realize that cell phones are part of our students everyday lives.”  These kids are part of the Digital Native generation.  Almost everyone you see nowadays has a cell phone, including children.  That being said, I would have individual contracts for each student to sign at the beginning of each particular class.  There would be times of appropriate use such as for assignments or research, but texting and taking pictures, etc., would be questionable.  If students used their cell phones at times when not permitted, I would collect it and return it at the end of class and that student would be on probation.  Steps would have to be taken and use in class would have to be earned back. 

            Referring back to the counterpoint article, Liz Kolb argues for use in the classroom.  She states, “A basic cell phone has the ability to be the students Swiss army knife of technology.”  Students can use the Internet, take notes, pictures, etc., to help with assignments and projects.  There are many uses that could be applied to schoolwork.  I would be very much interested in having a couple assignments during a class where the cell phones were used to collect data and then presented. 

            I think having cell phone use in the classroom can be a double-edged sword.  I think they can be very useful for research, projects, and provide numerous helpful functions.  I also see them being a distraction and being used inappropriately taking away from the total learning experience of the individual and group.  I would have to take a final stance and say in my classroom I would have to get to know the students, see how responsible they are, and see what kind of projects could be created positively using the phones.  At this point however, I would probably still lean towards having them banned in the classroom.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying Reflection

 

            In the school environment throughout time, bullying has always reared its ugly head. Like it or not most people at some point have either bullied or been bullied. It happens and hopefully you can move on. In society today, cyberbullying is the newest form of torment.  Cyberbullying can include harassing, threatening, and intimidating to name a few, using Internet technology to carry out the act.  Surprising to me, this is a major issue taking place involving our children, which in turn is affecting the overall climate at schools.  This topic is new to me because I don’t really have any cyberbullying experience, given or received.  I am a little older than the kids in this technologically advanced generation.  We used computers, but teasing or bullying took place at school by words or in-person actions.  The only time I can recall any sort of incident; my buddy got into my email account and sent me a message from an ex-girlfriend. I did some investigating and found out it wasn’t real and he did it. Let’s just say it hasn’t happened again.

            One of the major issues schools are facing is where the cyberbullying takes place.  Because a lot of the reported incidents take place from off site or off campus computers or the accounts weren’t created at school, legally they are limited in what they can do.  Individual state laws and school districts anti harassment policies are being re-written to catch up with this newer form of bullying.  If the incident takes place on school grounds or is done using school computers, then the school can punish the perpetrator.  Punishment could include no use of electronic devices, detention, suspension, or even expulsion.  

            Teachers need to be aware and alert to problems arising from cyberbullying and that events could boil over into the classrooms or campuses.  Some signs to look for regarding someone who has experienced bullying could include depression or withdrawal from their group of friends, low self -esteem, and anxiousness.  An example from the “Is There Anything Schools Can Do?” article said a possible sign might be a student receiving a text or email and right after getting very upset or angry.  Some signs may be harder to pin point.  I think what schools can do is re-write their current anti-harassment policies to include in clear terms what Cyberbullying is and what the repercussions are if they take place.  Discuss openly with individuals and classes as a whole what the expectations are regarding school policies and the use of technology in classes can be taken away if positive behavior isn’t present. 

Unfortunately teachers and schools aren’t with these kids 24/7, so no matter what is written into law, educators still are limited at times on what they can do.  Schools can’t regulate all off site technology use.  They don’t have the time, budget, or staff.  We have to encourage not displaying this sort of behavior at school or away, encourage students to tell someone if it happens, save the evidence, and get parents involved.  The parents are the ones who need to be monitoring this even more than the teachers considering the majority of accounts, etc. are created away from school.  Educating parents to know the signs to look for and what steps to take if found could be very helpful.  Then the schools and communities would be working together and hopefully put a stop to these types of acts before someone really gets hurt or worse…

 

Teacher's and Social Networking

In this new world where almost everything is tied into technology and the use of the internet, a person has to and should be very careful about what they do and what they post on-line.  Doing a Google search on oneself is exciting as well as nerve racking.  I did just that during this assignment.  I typed in my name and did a search on Anthony Swerdlik and Tony Swerdlik.  The results were minimum, but I am used to that due to my uncommon last name.  When I typed in Anthony Swerdlik, it produced 8 results.  Tony Swerdlik produced 3 results.  Some of the websites that came up were classmates.com, oregonstate.edu, beavertonvalleytime/sports.com, and peoplesearch.mylife.com.  I am not embarrassed by anything that came up.  Basically what I found was there were few results involving my name and myself. The couple of sites that did produce results contained information about when I was a student in high school, and college.  The Valley Times article was a write up from last summer involving an alumni tournament I played in and was on the winning team.  On Pipl website search, there were 3 sites that came up that allowed background searches and checks.  I don’t necessarily like the sites that came up with my birth date, address, and home phone number.  It’s a little troubling to know whoever can look me up and know my personal information.

There isn’t anything incriminating that I found when I conducted a search of myself.  The change I would make is to have my information unlisted including my home address, phone number and email.  My number one priority is my family and keeping them safe.  When I become a teacher I don’t want students knowing my exact address and phone number where prank calls, tee peeing, egging, or worse could take place.  You never know if you are going to have a student who you have trouble with and they want nothing more than to do something personal.  I think more times than not it doesn’t go that far, but it has in the past.  I went to high school and know how some students can be. I am going to seriously look into having my personal information changed to private.

I think right or wrong, teachers should be held to community standards in regards to their personal lives.  We are in the business of teaching and nurturing young men and women.  Parents and the community alike want to know that their kids are in good hands, and not subjected to inappropriate behavior or actions by someone as close as their teacher.  In a sense, teachers or other professions should be able to do what they like in their private time, however teachers are held to a higher standard because of the nature of the relationship with the students and community.  Teachers need to think their actions and speech all the way through because someone is always watching or searching for a “dirty little secret.”  A teacher’s speech at times is held against them but that’s part of the relationship we have with the schools, community, and people.  You can still live your life, but a person has to be a little more cognisant of what they are doing, saying, and posting.

This assignment was very interesting.  While reading the article about teachers using social networks, a point presented that really stuck out in my mind was the quote, “with any powerful tool, using technology can have positive and negative outcomes.”  I think what this was trying to say is the Internet and world of technology can be used in so many ways to enrich teaching and learning.  But like anything, if it is abused or not respected, it can become negative as well as producing dangerous outcomes.  Teachers have access to many resources that can be used to positively impact a child’s learning including social networks.  The number one thought regarding the Internet that has to be determined is if whether or not the content being posted or viewed is appropriate and useful to the child.  If the answer is no, don’t post it or have privacy settings in place for only close friends or family to see.  It takes just one student or parent to see something that in two seconds many can see and ultimately get a teacher in trouble or fired.

In closing I am going to take steps to ensure that nothing inappropriate ever gets posted on any social networks that students or parents have or can gain access to.  I am not going to live my life in fear, but I am going to be aware of what I am doing and what kind information is out there for the community to see.  I think as teachers we need to carry ourselves in a manner that is respected and compliant to the community.  We are in a position of great value and trust, and that needs to be upheld.  Nobody is perfect, but the key is to keep certain things private when it comes to life outside of school.

Digital Natives vs. Digital Immigrants

This generation of student’s today who are in schools are a lot different than the student’s that I went to school with in regards to how they learn best and the use of technology in the classroom. Children of this generation are very hands on and have been involved with some sort of technology since very early on in their lives. “Today’s teachers have to learn to communicate in the language and style of their students” (Presnky 2001). The challenge for teachers who will soon teach these children is trying to keep up to date with them and find a common ground to relate to. The teachers have to keep in mind, engaging them in something that they do and something that they are good at is critical.
I consider myself to be a Digital Immigrant. I do feel like I have some Digital Native qualities and do know my way around a computer and other technological things including cell phones and iPods. I graduated high school in 1995 and the use of computers other than word processing was just starting to take off. As the technology boom proceeded I learned more and got more comfortable around computers and other devices. I think of myself to be more immigrant than native because of my limited knowledge of the latest technology language, limited experience on sites such as Face book and My Space, and the way I was taught in the classroom. We were not allowed to have or to use technology devices other than calculators in the classroom, especially not when the teacher was lecturing or teaching.
In Marc Prensky’s article Digital Native vs. Digital Immigrant, he states “Research by Social Psychologists shows that people who grow up in different cultures do not just think about different things, they actually think differently”. The children of today are being taught differently starting in elementary schools with the use of Smart Boards and the internet. With the use of tools like these, the way they think and reflect on certain material is going to be different than generations past due to the delivery of the material. My own experience of the use of technology in the classroom has been good and increased through the years. It has steadily raised going from basic typing and word processing in middle and high school to using Blackboard in college, emailing, internet, and power point lectures in class. Being a visual learner, the added use of technology in the classroom has expanded my learning and kept me engaged.
Reading the articles by Marc Prensky has opened my eyes to the change in learning style and language regarding the use of technology in the classroom. “Our students have changed radically. Today’s students are no longer the people our educational system designed to teach” (Prensky 2001). The growth of technology and its use by children of this generation has changed the way information needs to be taught in the classroom. The teacher needs to become familiar with not only the latest ways to use technology in teaching but also the language in which the information is presented to the students. I always thought I would incorporate technology into my classroom, but after reading these articles I realize I not only need to become more familiar with the latest functions and available technological resources, I also need to expand my vocabulary and get to know what is in and what is out with these kids. I plan on incorporating many uses of technology into my classroom, for example power point presentations with pictures, music, and stories, and having hands on assignments where the students can demonstrate their ability using what they know and what they have learned. This way I also get to use multiple modalities relaying what I am teaching and students can become proficient in more than one learning style.

My First Post

My name is Tony Swerdlik.

I want to teach high school math and language arts.

My favorite animal is the elephant.